While diabetes does not directly cause calluses, it significantly increases an individual’s risk of developing them and experiencing related complications. The condition alters foot health in ways that make feet more susceptible to thickened skin formations. Understanding these connections is important for individuals managing diabetes to protect their foot health.
What Are Calluses?
Calluses are areas of thickened, hardened skin that develop in response to repeated friction or pressure on the body. They commonly form on weight-bearing areas of the feet, such as the balls of the feet, heels, and along the sides. This skin thickening is a protective mechanism, shielding underlying tissues from irritation. While some callus formation is normal, excessive thickening can indicate concentrated pressure points.
How Diabetes Impacts Foot Health
One significant issue is diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage. This condition can cause a loss of sensation, meaning individuals may not feel pain, pressure, or temperature changes in their feet. Another concern is peripheral artery disease (PAD), where diabetes can narrow blood vessels, reducing vital blood flow to the feet. Reduced circulation can impair the body’s ability to heal wounds. Furthermore, nerve damage can affect sweat glands, leading to anhidrosis, a condition characterized by dry skin on the feet.
Why Diabetes Increases Callus Risk
Individuals with diabetes are more prone to calluses due to the combined effects of nerve damage, altered foot structure, and impaired healing. Neuropathy diminishes the ability to feel repetitive pressure or friction from ill-fitting shoes or foot deformities. This lack of sensation means minor irritations, such as a small stone in a shoe or a seam rubbing, can go unnoticed, leading to prolonged pressure that encourages callus formation. Diabetic neuropathy can also contribute to changes in foot shape, like Charcot foot or hammertoes, which redistribute weight unevenly and create new areas of high pressure. These abnormal pressure points then stimulate the skin to thicken excessively.
Poor circulation means that if a thickened callus breaks down or leads to an ulcer, the healing process is severely compromised. Calluses can also act as barriers, preventing adequate blood flow and oxygenation to the underlying skin, increasing the risk of developing ulcers. Additionally, the dry skin caused by anhidrosis is more susceptible to cracking. These cracks can serve as entry points for bacteria, raising the risk of infection.
Care and Prevention of Diabetic Calluses
Proactive management of foot health is important for individuals with diabetes to prevent complications. Daily foot checks are important; inspect the entire foot, including between the toes and the sole, to spot any changes or redness. Wearing proper footwear is also important; choose well-fitting, comfortable shoes with ample toe room that do not rub or create pressure points. Consulting a podiatrist for specialized footwear or orthotic inserts can help redistribute pressure.
Moisturizing dry skin daily can help maintain skin elasticity and prevent cracks, but avoid applying lotion between the toes to prevent fungal growth. Look for fragrance-free lotions with ingredients like urea, shea butter, or glycerin for hydration. Professional foot care by a podiatrist is recommended for routine callus removal and general foot health assessments. Never attempt to cut or shave calluses yourself or use harsh chemical treatments, as this can cause injury and infection. Consistent blood sugar management is foundational, as stable glucose levels help prevent nerve and blood vessel damage that contribute to foot issues.
When to Consult a Doctor
Prompt medical attention is important for any foot concerns in individuals with diabetes. Seek immediate evaluation if a callus shows signs of pain, redness, swelling, or warmth around it. Any discharge, foul odor, or discoloration indicates a possible infection. A callus that has broken open, developed into an ulcer, or has dried blood underneath requires urgent professional assessment. Any new or worsening foot pain, tingling, numbness, or changes in sensation should be reported to a healthcare provider without delay.